Riquelme: I almost joined Chivas USA

The Argentine legend revealed that he and manager Carlos Banichi had nearly been part of a new setup at Chivas USA.

By Keith Hickey

Jan 5, 2013 6:33:00 PM

Argentina midfield legend Juan Roman Riquelme has revealed that he
nearly joined MLS side Chivas USA at the behest of Carlos Bianchi,
who was set to take over the reins of the Home Depot Center
tenant.

In an interview explaining his decision not to rejoin Boca Juniors,
Riquelme claimed that his former manager at the Buenos Aires club
had been lined up to coach Chivas USA, and wanted to bring the
former Villarreal playmaker with him to Southern California.

"Ten days before Carlos was announced by Boca he called me to his
home because he wanted me to go with him to Chivas in Los Angeles,"
the 34-year-old told Argentine TV station TyC Sports.
"We were planning to go together to Los Angeles and I told him that
I would go with him to Los Angeles without any problem and then 10
days later he was announced with Boca."